The Wairarapa Haybarn in Martinborough, New Zealand by First Light Studio Ltd.

Article source: First Light Studio Ltd.

This barn-inspired home offers a striking reference to rural vernacular. Long and lean, the form is remarkably simple. A monolithic roof plane sweeps up past the large established walnut tree to form a double-height concert hall living space with mezzanine viewing gallery for the two retired musicians to practice, play and entertain friends.

North East corner, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

• Architects: First Light Studio Ltd.
• Project: The Wairarapa Haybarn
• Location: Martinborough, New Zealand
• Photography: Jason Mann Photography
• Lead Architects: Benjamin Jagersma, Guy Marriage
• Other Participants:
  
  • Engineer: Dunning Thornton
  • Builder: Rigg Zschokke
• Completion Year: 2015
  

North verandah, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

The owners moved to be closer to family in Wellington but settled in the Wairarapa, wanting to make the most of the more temperate climate and beautiful sunny evenings. Their musical interest drove the design to create an acoustically, environmentally conscious and accessible home that felt compact but could effortlessly accommodate extended family.

Morning courtyard, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

North Facade at dusk, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Much like a hay barn, in this design form follows function. The double-height roof cleverly accommodates a double garage and workshop at ground level and guest two bedroom and bathroom loft above. Adjacent to this, the open-plan kitchen / living / dining room takes advantage of the high ceiling. To the northeast end of the house, the main sleeping quarters domestic-scaled 2.4m stud height creates more modest volumes. The terrace wraps around the eastern façade offering the perfect sheltered spot for a quiet morning coffee. Services are efficiently oriented along the southern spine of the house, with generous laundry, kitchen, bathroom and separate WC facilities. A highly insulated nearly airtight envelope clad in corrugated iron and shiplap redwood is practical yet warmly references the redwood groves surrounding their previous family home.

North Facade, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

The awning, a reinterpretation of the Wairarapa veranda shelters the northern façade from the hot summer sun while creating an impressive entrance. The established Walnut became a central figure in the design, linking the outdoor and indoor dining spaces with dappled light while naturally mediating temperature in the house with its seasonal changes.

Open plan living, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Kitchen, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Built in storage, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Dining, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Stair, Image by Jason Mann Photography, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Dining at dusk, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

North West corner, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Entry, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

South Facade, Image Courtesy © Jason Mann Photography

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Image Courtesy © First Light Studio Ltd.

Tags: Martinborough, New Zealand

Categories: House, Residential

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